SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– With voices soaring, dancers stomping and heartful words of togetherness flowing, the message of unity rose though at the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration.
The Thornton Township Human Relations Commission, South Suburban College and Thornton Township High School District 205 presented an event Titled Love and Unity Conquers Hatred and Violence. Held at South Suburban College, the free program not only commemorates the life and legacy of Dr. King but features speeches about coming together as a community.
“We are here to honor a man who dedicated his life fighting for the civil rights of others. We are here in this room as a community to stand together and say we are not going to let anything or anyone tear us apart,” said Frank M. Zuccarelli, Thornton Township supervisor and South Suburban College board president. “That’s why our message of love and unity is so important. Love and unity conquers hate speech and hostility. Love and unity overpowers division and anger.”
Congresswoman Robin Kelly was the featured guest speaker. The event also featured many singing, dancing, and instrumental performances from District #205 students. Don Manning, president of South Suburban College, was impressed with the talent, strength and profound words coming from the students.
“When I look at everything these students can accomplish, I am really optimistic about the future,” said Manning. “These young people are going to be our future leaders.”
Zuccarelli closed the event calling for people to come together and unite instead of tearing each other apart.
“If we are truly going to be great, we can’t be our worst enemies,” added Zuccarelli. “We can’t unite with only people who agree with us. We can’t just shut down conversation. We can’t use violence as the way to get our points across. And we can never use hatred for anyone to justify our actions.”
